Janusz Ireneusz Slupecki

Janusz Ireneusz Slupecki, 85, of Cadillac passed away Friday, January 13, 2017 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, surrounded by his loving family.

Janusz was born on Thursday, August 6, 1931 to the late Karol and Czeslawa (Wysocka) Slupecki in Nasielsk, Poland, where he attended school. Janusz later apprenticed in Warsaw in the jewelry trade and became a Master Jeweler.

On Sunday, April 20, 1958, he married Zofia Emelia Moczulska in Stargard, Szecinski, Poland. They began their new life together in Warsaw, before immigrating to the Detroit area over 50 years ago, where they raised their children, Mark and Brigette. He continued his career as a jeweler in the Detroit area.

Janusz enjoyed work. If he wasn't working in his trade, he enjoyed construction. He designed and built his summer and later retirement, home in Cadillac as well as working and tinkering around their other homes. Throughout the years, Janusz was also involved in the hospitality industry in Taylor, Gaylord and Traverse City.

He loved nature, taking in the peace of being in the out doors, observing wildlife, especially the birds. He enjoyed animals - and they always gravitated towards him. He had a special love for his cats.

Family and traditions were central to Janusz. He and his wife taught their children the traditions of their homeland, as well as the language, which they all continue to speak. Their children are passing on these same traditions and language to their children as well as the importance of family. This legacy is what his family treasures most about their husband, father, and grandfather.

Left to mourn his passing is his beloved wife of 58 years, Zofia; his children, Marek "Mark" (Lisa) Slupecki and Brigette (Paul) Barbas, all of Traverse City; his grandchildren Robert, Steven, Abigail, Sophia and Savanna. Janusz also has siblings who still reside in Poland.

Visitation will take place from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, January 20 at The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City, with the rosary being prayed at 7:00 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 21 at St. Francis Catholic Church, Traverse City with The Rev. Fr. Kenneth Stachnik presiding. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery at a later date.

Should friends so desire, expressions of sympathy may take the form of a donation to St. Francis Catholic Church, 1025 South Union St., Traverse City, MI 49684.